If you’re like me you l-o-v-e love music with a capital “L”. And now that Spotify has been hand picking songs for our Discover Weekly playlists, it’s a great time to be a music lover! Discover Weekly is perfect for people like us, who love new music, but can’t find time in the day to browse through endless pages of artists and genres. Finding new music used to be one of my favorite hobbies, along with sports and video games, but once your playlists reach over 1,000 songs, it becomes more about “collecting” songs, rather than actually listening to them. So I decided to make a new playlist. A shorter playlist. A playlist that would always be appropriate, and would give me (and whoever might be listening) something to bob my head and tap my feet to. So without further ado, here is my list of essential songs that will turn your playlist into a wonderland of feel good rhythm!

1 Stolen Dance by Milky Chance

This song is probably on most, if not all of my playlists. I know, I know. Stolen Dance isn’t exactly a new song, but it has an undeniably catchy melody. Something that is highlighted by the talented Clemens Rehbein and his very unique voice. This is a song that will always be welcomed by the ears and that was my goal when creating this playlist. Sure, it’s not new and some might argue that this song is overplayed (impossible!), but that is why we have 9 other songs to choose from on our list. I think one of the reasons this song sits so well with everyone is because it’s the perfect balance between smooth and upbeat, something both young and old can dance to. This is the perfect song to add to your playlist if you’re looking that “sweet escape” from the clutter that is your playlist. Give in to the mellow vibes and let the melody take you away! Playlist worthy? I think yes!

2 Annie by Neon Indian

Okay, so you wanted something new right? “Annie” debuted earlier this year, teasing Neon Indian’s newest album Vegas Intl. Night School. The album came out last month and “oh boy” it’s a whirlwind of fun! You could just make that album your playlist and call it a day (because they did a great job), but I’ve hand selected this song specifically because in my opinion, it’s the best song on the album. It also does the other songs on the album justice as far as sticking with the same unique sound and genre. Neon Indian is considered electronic music (shocking) and more popular with the younger crowd, but this song has balance. And balance is key when creating your playlist. Some people really really like electronic music, others don’t. If you put an electronic intensive song on your playlist, you risk losing the attention of those who aren’t interested. That’s why a song like “Annie” is perfect. Because not only is the melody entrancing, it appeals to those who like electronic music and those who like lyrics, without going overboard on either end. Yes, this makes it on the playlist.

3 The High Road by Broken Bells

Let me start by saying, I love Broken Bells. Definitely in my top 5 favorite artists, but I’ll try not to be bias when writing this (not!). You need Broken Bells on your playlists yesterday, okay? Great. This song is by far the group’s most popular song, and that’s why it’s on this list. I personally like their song “After the Disco”, but remember that this playlist isn’t just for me. This playlist is for the people I’m listening with. I want people to hear a song they’re familiar with and then conversation can ensue from there. If I play another less popular song by Broken Bells, even if it is amazing, that is just my opinion and I don’t want to force my opinion on other people (even if it is right). Anyways (tangent over), this song is great! Did you listen to it? You’ve probably heard it before, if not, your friends definitely have. Over 26 million listeners on Spotify can’t be wrong, right?! Just add it to your playlist!

4 Blue Jeans (RAC Remix) by Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey is a pretty incredible artist. If you haven’t heard of her you should look up songs like “Born to Die”, “Radio”, “Young and Beautiful”, “Summertime Sadness” and the list goes on and on. The original version of “Blue Jeans” is great by itself, but this remix adds a key element to the song and in turn, our playlist! You can compare and contrast the two songs later, but if you’re reading this I’ll give you the gist of it. Lana Del Rey has an amazing voice, if you watch/listen to the video you can hear that for yourself. Traditionally, Lana’s voice is the highlight in her songs (as it should be!). There are beats and background music, but who cares?! Lana’s voice steals the show every time! This remix elevates the music (and adds some instruments) to keep up with Lana’s outstanding voice. The end result? Musical gold that deserves to be on your playlist!

5 Awkward by San Cisco

Okay… I might be breaking my rule about only “popular” songs being on this list, but what does “popular” even mean anyways (lol). This song is popular to me, so that counts, right? Well San Cisco isn’t exactly playing on the radio “Back to Back” (as Drake would say) like Justin Beiber and well Drake, but I don’t listen to the radio anyways! All I know is, when you put good rhythm and melody behind good vocals, you get good music. Exhibit A: Good Rhythm + Good Melody x Good Vocals = Good Music. See? This song keeps this playlist upbeat and fun. That’s the goal with this playlist. Songs you can listen to when you’re waking up, getting ready, working or while you’re just hanging out! The playlist doesn’t discriminate, neither should you! So you might have never heard of San Cisco before, but at least you can discover them before your friends do! Add it to the playlist!

6 The Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

Still with me? Fantastic! So I think this song breaks my rule once again about the songs on this list being “new” and “popular”. It’s new to me! Anyways, that was a dumb rule and I will not be bound by it any longer! The great thing about music is that it stays with us. Sometimes we like listening to older songs, whether it be for nostalgia or other reasons: good songs don’t go away. I found this song (like most of the others on this list) on my Discover Weekly Playlist on Spotify and I immediately added it to my “lounge around” playlist. Now, this is an older song, but that’s not what I heard. I heard a musician singing his heart out and I respect the hell out of that. Is that why I like this song so much? I don’t know, but there is something about it and I can’t quite put my finger on it. Go on, just add it to your playlist!

7 Prayer in C (Robin Schultz Remix) by Lilly Wood & The Prick

How about that build up?! This is another remix, and like previous one on this list, a talented vocalist (Lilly Wood) shines through and delivers a memorable performance. Nevertheless, there is a very specific melody playing in the background and that’s a huge part of this song’s appeal. The first time I heard this song, I could not get it out of my head and now that’s your problem! Choosing the right songs for your playlist should be effortless if you know the direction and the mood you’re going for. The great thing about this song (and the others on this list) is that it works well for a very wide range of situations. And remember the goal of this playlist is to always be playable and appropriate no matter who is listening! Not the easiest thing to do in today’s world, but that’s what the majority of people enjoy. And if you’re going to be the DJ for your friends during car rides or get togethers, you better cater to what they want! Add it to the playlist!

8 Colours (Captain Cuts Remix) by Grouplove

Grouplove is another hugely popular group and for good reason! With great beats and family friendly lyrics it’s hard to deny that Grouplove is a musical force to be reckoned with. This remix of their popular “Colours” was the background music at many of my friend’s hangouts during college so I felt a little obligated to include it. Say what you will, but this upbeat remix is perfect for this playlist. Remember, we’re creating a playlist that you can confidently stand behind when your new girlfriend/boyfriend asks what kind of music you’re listening to. Maybe that’s not the exact reason for this playlist, but to each their own. Something else to consider is when your group of friends select you as the DJ, what song will you play? Of course you want a song to mimic the mood. But what you really want is to put on a playlist full of songs that can’t possibly disappoint. This is one of those songs, so add it to your playlist!

9 Daylight by Matt and Kim

You literally can not listen to this song in a bad mood. It’s impossible. Because even if you are in a bad mood, after the first 2 seconds of this song, you can’t help but smile. I can say that yes, this is a popular song (37 million plays on Spotify!) and you should be listening to it too! Alone, at home, with friends, with pets, with your neighbors?! I don’t know who you hang out with, but I do know that wherever you are, this song will always be great and ready for you to enjoy. That’s the point isn’t it? The reason I’m making this playlist is to be able to bring people together, friends and strangers alike. We all like music, right? So at least we have that in common. The trick is finding appropriate music for the situation. You’re almost done with the list, so you’re practically a pro at this point! Do your playlist a favor and add “Daylight” to it!

10 Dreaming by Pacific Dub

Last, and certainly not least “Dreaming” by Pacific Dub. This was my favorite song in high school about 100 years ago (more like 6 years ago), but I think the message is clear and perfect for this playlist. Remember that “sweet escape” I talked about earlier? Well this is it. We all have music in common and we’ve all dreamed about better days, but why wait?! You and your friends can listen to the music of your dreams today! You just have to construct the “perfect” playlist. Can you do it? I believe you can. And with this playlist to guide you, there are no limits to how great your playlist can become! Keep listening and share the love! Later y’all!